Javelin thrower Gailums ahead of European Championships: I want the numbers to show my true abilities

Two Latvian javelin throwers, Patriks Gailums and Krišjānis Suntažs, will begin their campaign at the European Athletics Championships on Thursday, competing in the qualification round.

Ahead of the competition, Gailums spoke to the "Sporta studija" broadcast about his path back to top-level competition following a serious injury he suffered two years ago. He also revealed what the main focus of his training has been this season as he prepared for the championship.

Looking ahead to the start

Gailums said he wants the results shown on the scoreboard to give a clear answer about his current capabilities — whether the injury and subsequent recovery have allowed him to return to his previous form, or whether that process is still ongoing.

Both Gailums and Suntažs will aim to meet the qualifying standard or place among the top throwers in the qualification round in order to advance to the final. Javelin throwing has traditionally been one of the stronger disciplines within Latvian athletics.